Like the BMW M3 saloon xDrive, but want or need more practicality? Well, if you're a BMW fan, previously you'd have probably gone down the performance SUV route. Well, not anymore, because as a 50th birthday to its performance-focused M Division, BMW released a Touring estate version of the current (G81) M3 saloon.

So, what does this mean? Well, basically you get the same 503hp, four-wheel drive car, but with a bigger and more practical 500-litre boot. 

With its big nostril nose, open front air dam, and blistered arches, the M3 has distinctive rather than attractive looks. However, there's just something more special about a fast wagon, as in our opinion, it adds another level of coolness - and menace in the metallic Black Sapphire finish of our test car.

Inside, from the front, it's basically standard M3 and 3 Series. So, it gets the same BMW curved display as the standard 3 Series, fitted from the facelift at the end of 2022. This is made up of a 12.3in information display behind the steering wheel, plus a further central screen that is 14.9in, which merge to form a single fully-digital unit. Below the screen, the central air vents are slimmer and redesigned and although we're not so keen on the lack of physical buttons, the climate control along with other functions are now voice-activated. 

However, as you'd expect of an M3, there's a lot more carbon on the dashboard, centre console, and steering wheel, so you can't forget you're driving something special and very fast. The driving position is excellent, plus we also benefitted from the difficult-to-get-in, but impressively supportive M carbon bucket front seats. These are part of a costly M Driver's Pack (£11,250).  

Space in the back of the car is as the standard 3 Series, so there's enough for kids or a couple of adults, and there's the extra practicality of the large and practical load area behind.

The M3 Touring Competition xDrive, to give it its full name, is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six engine, equalling 503hp and 649Nm of torque. Considering the Touring weighs a not inconsiderable 1865kg (more than the saloon), the 3.6-second acceleration to 62mph is ridiculous, but believable. Top speed is usually limited to 155mph but remember the M Driver's Pack that we mentioned earlier. Well as part of that, the limiter is lifted and an even more licence-losing 174mph top speed is the result. 

Then there's the xDrive four-wheel drive system, that has three modes - 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD.  

On the road, it's the low-down torque that impresses first. The M3 Touring is very easy to drive - especially at low speed and comfortable on its standard 19 and 20in alloy wheels. It is the same story on the motorway, where despite not being fitted with a dual-clutch gearbox, the automatic gearbox is swift to react. It is not always perfect, but we guarantee you'll be watching your speed more than worrying about what gear you're in. 

It is on A and B roads where this M3  comes alive, where it demolishes tarmac with the performance on tap. But it's not just power that excites, it's the body control and composure - especially in Sport mode, although Comfort is fine in most instances. Despite all the performance, more dazzling is how useable and practical the M3 Touring is in everyday life.